Dead at a party

LIFE for Mereta Kisona never seemed so bitter as it did on Sunday morning when she was informed of the discovery of her husband's mutilated body on Uma, Rabi Island.

Mrs Kisona, who was separated from the victim, Tarakai Teari, about a year ago, said given the circumstances, all she wanted now was a miracle to bring her husband back to life so she could "correct a mistake".

Mr Teari, 34, a farmer, is believed to have been beaten to death during a drinking party on Saturday evening.

Mrs Kisona was speaking from Uma yesterday when she expressed her only wish — to have her husband back.

"The two were last seen with three others during a drinking party a little after midnight," Ms Naisoro said.

"It is alleged the suspect started fighting with the victim and while this was happening, the other three men ran away with the liquor. The victim was taken to the Rabi Health Centre and while awaiting emergency evacuation, he unfortunately was pronounced dead by medical personnel."

Mrs Kisona said although she was separated from her husband, their children were the reason Mr Teari always came around to their house.

"We separated when I was four months pregnant to my youngest daughter, who is now four months old and since then, we never spoke to each other," she said.

"But he (Mr Teari) usually comes around and sees the children. Our eldest daughter is now 12 years old and she was the one who alerted the neighbours about her father's body in the centre.

"I am really emotional because the thought of raising my children alone without their dad is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life. I know that my children really miss their dad so much and I only hope they will find peace."

Mrs Kisona hopes that justice is served soon. Ms Naisoro said police investigations were continuing.